Which place is cheaper, Paris or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Paris can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Beijing travel costs.
Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Paris is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Paris travel costs.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Paris than Beijing. While Beijing is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is well known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Paris.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Beijing is not a theatre destination.
Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Beijing is not a theatre destination.
Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Paris can be an enjoyable experience.
Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.
In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Beijing is not a live music destination.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.
The famous beauty of Paris is one of the main draws. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.
Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Paris is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
Paris is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Paris is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.
Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.
Both Beijing and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Paris than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Paris than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Beijing if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paris.
Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
In Paris, you'll find food and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
In Paris, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Beijing is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. In Paris, you'll find theater and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $89, while the average daily cost in Paris is $275. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beijing and Paris in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Paris? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Paris and Beijing change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Paris is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Paris Expensive?.
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Paris, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Paris and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Beijing is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Paris. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Paris. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Paris can be very cold. Beijing can be very cold during winter. Beijing is much colder than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Paris. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Paris and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.
In the spring, Beijing is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Paris. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Beijing | Paris | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |